David Greising

David Greising is president of the Better Government Association, publisher of the Illinois Answers Project and home to the BGA Policy website. A former Tribune business columnist, Greising broke into professional journalism covering Harold Washington’s run for mayor at the City News Bureau of Chicago. His Tribune column appears every other Friday.

Chicago Bears President and CEO Kevin Warren answers questions at a meeting of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce on June 4, 2024. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Commentary |
David Greising: With Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce support, is there hope for Bears stadium plan?

June 7, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and and World Business Chicago are the only major civic organizations to back the Bears' stadium plans.

Chicago Ald. Anthony Beale, 9th, speaks during a meeting of the Chicago City Council on May 22, 2024. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Commentary |
David Greising: Aldermen gain upper hand over ShotSpotter’s future

May 24, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

ShotSpotter brought about an unusual harmony between aldermen from the Northwest and Southwest sides and aldermen from the South and West sides.

Bears President Kevin Warren walks through Halas Hall on April 23, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Commentary |
David Greising: Bears pitch for a lakefront stadium fizzled. Here’s how they can move forward.

May 10, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

In order to take the Bears' lakefront stadium proposal even a first step toward "yes," CEO Kevin Warren will need to refocus the financial discussion.

Moonrise over the Illinois Capitol on Feb. 20, 2024. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Opinion |
Civic leaders: Time for Illinois to pass a sensible Tier 2 pensions fix

April 28, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

We urge the Illinois legislature to follow Gov. J.B. Pritzker's lead rather than advancing a more expensive alternative for fixing Tier 2

People pass through the staircases April 11, 2024, at the Illinois Capitol in Springfield. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Opinion |
David Greising: Illinois Tier 2 pension promise needs to be fixed

April 26, 2024 at 8:36 a.m.

Illinois' Tier 2 benefits are not growing as fast as Social Security checks, and this violates a safe-harbor provision in federal law.

Larry Snelling seemed suited to bring the Chicago police into compliance with the consent decree. Yet CPD is proving stubbornly resistant to reform.

Commentary |
David Greising: The consent decree was designed to prevent disasters such as the Dexter Reed shooting

April 24, 2024 at 11:57 a.m.

Larry Snelling seemed suited to bring the Chicago police into compliance with the consent decree. Yet CPD is proving stubbornly resistant to reform.

Bring Chicago Home would address human needs of homelessness, and the bond issue would go toward the city’s bricks-and-mortar responses.

Commentary |
David Greising: How can the mayor advance progressive plans after Bring Chicago Home defeat?

March 29, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Bring Chicago Home would address human needs of homelessness, and the bond issue would go toward the city’s bricks-and-mortar responses.

ShotSpotter and its supporters have an opportunity to build their case that this is an essential contribution to the city’s safety.

Commentary |
David Greising: ShotSpotter missteps could be turned to the city’s advantage

March 15, 2024 at 10:22 a.m.

ShotSpotter and its supporters have an opportunity to build their case that this is an essential contribution to the city’s safety.

For the first time in memory, an Illinois governor is proposing to fully fund Illinois’ five statewide pension plans.

Opinion |
David Greising: Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s willingness to tackle pension problem is a breakthrough

March 1, 2024 at 5:01 a.m.

For the first time in memory, an Illinois governor is proposing to fully fund Illinois’ five statewide pension plans.

Midwesterners have plenty of reason to distrust government here.

Commentary |
David Greising: Local officials keep proving why distrust in government is high in the Midwest

February 16, 2024 at 5:00 a.m.

Midwesterners have plenty of reason to distrust government here.

All Stories